Machakos County will host a major political mobilisation event on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as the Linda Mwananchi movement intensifies its grassroots campaigns across the country. The event is expected to draw supporters from different parts of Ukambani, with leaders urging a strong turnout.

Series of events

Linda Mwananchi leaders are expected to attend a church service at AIC Kyanda from 10 am before proceeding to their first encounter with residents at Machakos Town at 1:00 pm, where a mega rally is scheduled.

After Machakos Town, the Linda Mwananchi leaders are scheduled to troop to Mlolongo at 3:00 pm, where another mega rally is expected.

The rally has been confirmed through a series of public statements from leaders linked to the movement, who say the focus will be on engaging residents on economic pressures, governance issues and political organisation at the grassroots.

Orengo rallies residents

Siaya Governor James Orengo, who has increasingly referred to himself as the “people’s party leader” within ODM, was among the first to announce the Machakos meeting, with a call for supporters to turn up in large numbers.

“Machakos County, Mwiaseo?! This Sunday, May 31st, the Linda Mwananchi team is hitting the ground live in the heart of Masaku,” he wrote.

Orengo urged supporters to move as a group from Machakos Town towards Mlolongo on foot, saying transport would not be necessary.

“No need for buses, let’s flood the streets on foot! Itakuwa mbaya sana! Don’t miss out!” he added.

Separately, a post by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi added momentum to the planned rally, signalling what he described as a return to active mobilisation.

“We are back! Tupatane Machakos Juma Pili tarehe 31/05/2026,” he posted on his official X account on Friday, May 29, 2026.

He said the movement would reconnect with residents and address concerns affecting households across the country.

The messages have increased attention on Machakos as a key mobilisation point, with political activity in the region rising in recent weeks.

However, the build-up to the rally has also been accompanied by mixed online reactions, including the circulation of posters suggesting participation by senior government officials.

Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua responded to one of the widely shared posters, saying it did not originate from him or his office.

The poster had suggested he would welcome supporters of the movement in Machakos. Mutua clarified that he is not linked to the message and urged the public to verify information shared online before drawing conclusions.

The economic focus

Mavoko MP Patrick Makau has also previously spoken about the movement’s plans in Machakos, saying the group will hold community engagements focused on economic challenges.

He said the movement has already held meetings in different parts of the country and is now shifting attention to Machakos County.

“Mambo ni magumu hapa Kenya. Mnaona maneno ya mafuta, maneno ya vijana kutokuwa na ajira, maneno ya university funding, hali ya masomo, hali ya uchumi imeharibika,” Makau said during a recent public engagement.

He added that the movement will use the Machakos meetings to listen to residents and discuss rising living costs, unemployment and education funding.

Such mobilisation drives have become more common as leaders seek to strengthen their presence ahead of the next general election. They note that county-based rallies are now being used to build networks and test political support on the ground.

Machakos remains a key political area in the wider Ukambani region, and Sunday’s rally is expected to attract attention from both supporters and critics as the Linda Mwananchi movement expands its activities ahead of 2027.

ODM drops Linda Ground slogan

The rally takes place against a wider backdrop. The other ODM faction recently dropped its “Linda Ground” slogan. ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party had decided to stick strictly to its official identity, colours, and name, warning members against confusion in campaign materials.

“We had created the Linda Ground movement to consolidate our support base, but some people came and tried to imitate it with different versions. We have now left that behind. We are ODM and the colour is orange,” Wanga said during a meeting in Kisumu.

She further stressed that ODM remained united under the leadership of Oburu Oginga, adding that the party had no internal factions despite speculation.

“We thought it was important that even before the registration closes, we meet, see each other and give ourselves confidence that ODM remains steady, strong and united under Oburu Oginga,” she said.